The construction of the octogonal "Cremona Baptistery" next to the Cathedral started in 1167. At that time the cathedral was not completed. The baptistery measures 34 meters in height and 20.50 meters in diameter.

During the time of the Renaissance some alterations were done. The octogonal baptismal font in the center of the baptistery was added within the 16th century.

This much older font is displayed in the baptistery. It may have been used somehwere else.